I have been very busy recently trying to transform our guest room into a work space for both me and my boyfriend. The challenge is to fit a double bed and enough space for two people to work into a relatively small room. Oh, and the budget is only £150…eeek! We need:
– Desk space for two
– Space for a lap top and desk top computer
– Storage for craft materials
– Filing cabinet
– Space for sewing machine
– Double bed
– Drawers for clothes
Difficult? Just a little.
Before:
This is the desk that we had before. There was absolutely no storage and only really enough room for a computer, definitely no craft space, let alone room for two to work here at the same time. Photograph by Peachey Photography
After:
I did a lot of planning and searched around for creative storage solutions. Have a look at my last post in which I show my inspiration and my tips for creating a functional, yet stylish, work space: Tidy desk, tidy mind. What I have created is a much more practical, functional space and even though it may not look quite as nice as it did before I think considering how much we had to spend and how much we needed from this space it is as stylish as it can be. I have kept the whole room white with clean lines so it looks as large and as uncluttered as possible. See what you think…
I painted a chest of drawers we already had and changed the knobs (one is missing, I know!) so it could act as an extra ‘leg’ and it provides lots of storage for craft materials. I then bought a 2.5m long piece of MDF for £30 from a timber yard, which I painted and varnished. This sits across the drawers and two Ikea trestle legs that only cost £25. An off-cutting of the wood top is used for the shelf.
This is my end of the desk for my sewing machine, cutting mat and space to craft. A tutorial to show you how to make the cotton reel holder will follow. I have used the noticeboard as an inspiration board with my favourite pictures, magazine cuttings, fabric swatches, postcards.
Jam jars screwed onto the shelf for easy access.
Make sure you use at least two screws otherwise your pots will swivel!
I put a broom handle, that I painted, between the shelf brackets and hung Ikea Fintorp pots on Grundtal S-hooks for tools and pens.
I’ve used more S-hooks to hang tools so everything is to hand.
Washi tape and ribbon reels on the broom handle.
A magnetic board that I made from a baking sheet…tutorial to follow!
Using a 2.5m table top gives us both space and flexibility.
My chalkboard storage boxes (see tutorial) are used for craft materials and my favourite interiors books sit on the shelf. I’ve also hung my favourite Double Merrick print. I’ve also added a Loaf lamp that I already had.
I’ve used old Kilner jars with labels printed from Graphics Fairy for my sewing supplies.
I’ve also covered jam jar lids with fabric for storage pots; much cheaper than buying new.
I have recycled a mustard jar and more old Kilner jars for storage.
My fabric is in a wicker basket that I found in a skip (love a good skip-find!)
The finished room. There’s a filing cabinet tucked in the corner with all my magazines stored on top, that actually looks more like a bedside table (bought from eBay for £20). I hung hooks in this room for guests to hang their belongings when they come to stay. In total we spent about £120 on: desk, shelf, filing cabinet, storage and paint. Now, I just need to find two proper desk chairs although that will probably require quite a bit more than £30 (maybe more like £300!)
Jules has since realised that making a work space for two may not have been such a good idea; I like a good chat whilst I’m crafting or blogging and he has a lot of ‘real’ work to do! Ha! Too late now.
I love it! So many things have been cleverly repurposed. The office looks great, and I don’t think it skimps on style, either. Seeing the shape of the room, I think the room looks balanced with a longer work table like that. Keeping everything so white and crisp makes it look less cluttered, too.
Thanks so much for sharing! It’s really impressive for such a low budget. I’m still sorting out my own office space so I found this really inspiring! I’ll have to show you my results soon.
Thanks, Anna! I would love to see what you do in your office…always looking for inspiration from others 🙂
Looks great and nice use of old, new and your own creations!
We have had to do a similar set up for the new arrival, fitting as much as you can into a tiny space can seem daunting but love the useful tips!
Bx
Oooh, would love to see what you’ve come up with, Betty!
It looks excellent – I hope you’re both really pleased with it.
I love this! I can’t believe someone would throw away that wicker basket, good on you for finding it and giving it a new home.
I can’t wait to see the magnetic board tutorial. 🙂
I know! So bizarre how anyone would consider that rubbish. I will post about the magnetic board at the weekend…it’s so simple to make!
Looks fab! Can’t wait to see it when I’m back! Xxx
What a fabulous overhaul! So many great upcycles and I love your thrifty finds. I use a lot of picnic hamper baskets for my yarn as the OH always gets them at Christmas from work filled with goodies. As soon as he is finished with them, he knows to pass them on for craft goodies!
We have a similar room for guests and it has been tricky fitting all my craft stuff in. Luckily G has a mancave otherwise it would also be filled with computers, guitars, books and geeky figurines!
Enjoy your new space 🙂
Claire x
Thanks for your lovely comments, Claire. I am so jealous that you have a man cave in your house! Ideally, I would like to have a garden with a man cave at the bottom so I never have to see another piece of electrical equipment or cable in my life! x
Yes – this is fantastic; real food for thought. Just love the detail e.g. those jam jars are very clever. The whole room still looks inviting to guests which is a feat in itself when it is doing so much multi-tasking! Brilliant.
Great work! So thrifty.Inspired again!
I must talk to you about this- I love your ideas! I have spent weeks looking at expensive desks to try to sort out our work area- but your idea is so much more practical and works so much better. I also want to make your magnetic board.
Love this makeover and you’ve solved a dilemma I had for our guest room since i currently have neirher the budget nor the space for a wardrobe, I’m off to buy hooks tomorrow! V x
You could get hooks with a shelf above for added storage. Have fun shopping! X